The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty

by Avalyn Hunter

Overview

Toronto industrialist and Thoroughbred breeder E.P. Taylor wanted to prove to the world that his native Canada could produce racehorses as good as any, and he backed up his belief by offering his own yearlings for sale. So, he couldn’t have been happy when buyers in 1962 rejected a well-bred but small bay colt from his Windfields Farm consignment. But Taylor could hardly have envisioned the degree to which this seeming misfortune would boomerang in his favor.Ultimately, he would have the satisfaction of breeding, then racing the horse that would transform the international bloodstock market.

Named Northern Dancer, the sales reject proved his worth by winning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a Canadian hero. And that was only the beginning. As a stallion, the diminutive Northern Dancer exerted a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a million-dollar stud fee. International competition for his offspring created world records in the auction ring.

Respected pedigree authority Avalyn Hunter tells the compelling story of the fiery colt who towered over his peers and the humans who played supporting roles: legendary trainer Horatio Luro, jockeys Ron Turcotte and Bill Hartack, and Taylor himself. Hunter also chronicles Northern Dancer’s ascendancy as the world’s most coveted stallion and the dynasty he established through his sons. More than thirty years have passed since Northern Dancer's death, and all of his sons are now gone as well; even most of his grandsons have passed from the scene. Yet the Northern Dancer sire line shows no signs of fading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493081202
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/02/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
File size:	25 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Avalyn Hunter's love affair with Thoroughbred racehorses began in 1973, when Secretariat became the ninth American Triple Crown winner with a record-breaking victory in the Belmont Stakes. Since then, she has become a nationally recognized authority on Thoroughbred pedigrees and racing history whose work has appeared in The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Times, Owner-Breeder International, Market Watch, New York Breeder, and Louisiana Horse. Her other books include American Classic Pedigrees 1914–2002, Dream Derby: The Myth and Legend of Black Gold, and The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies. Her website is www.americanclassicpedigrees.com.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	7
Chapter 1	The Breed Shapers	9
Chapter 2	Tapestry	17
Chapter 3	Mr. Taylor	37
Chapter 4	Nearctic and Natalma	51
Chapter 5	Just Another Colt	75
Chapter 6	The Making of a Racehorse	83
Chapter 7	Derby Bound	95
Chapter 8	Snow and Roses	105
Chapter 9	Canada's Hero	111
Chapter 10	Stud	121
Chapter 11	Rising Star	127
Chapter 12	King of the World	141
Chapter 13	The King Is Dead...	155
Chapter 14	Legacy	159
Chapter 15	Princes of the Blood	167
Chapter 16	Princes of the Blood (Part II)	181
Chapter 17	The Dancer's Daughters	191
	Epilogue: Was Northern Dancer Great?	197
	Appendix	201
	Index	247
	Acknowledgments	252
	Photo Credits	253
	About the Author	254

Editorial Reviews

American Classic Pedigrees is enthusiastically recommended reading for professionals as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in the lineage of championship racehorses.

Midwest Book Review

Avalyn Hunter’s first published book [American Classic Pedigrees] is a triumph of equine research.

www.thoroughbredchampions.com

Area Thoroughbred racehorse fans will find that Avalyn Hunter’s American Classic Pedigrees takes a fresh look at equine bloodlines that have produced champion runners, and gives us a history refresher to boot.

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Praise for Avalyn Hunter’s American Classic Pedigrees “American Classic Pedigrees is enthusiastically recommended reading for professionals as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in the lineage of championship racehorses.” —Midwest Book Review “Area Thoroughbred racehorse fans will find that Avalyn Hunter’s American Classic Pedigrees takes a fresh look at equine bloodlines that have produced champion runners, and gives us a history refresher to boot.” —Ryan Conley, The Star-Banner “Avalyn Hunter’s first published book is a triumph of equine research.” —Kathleen Jones, www.thoroughbredchampions.com

From the Publisher